The NBA season is in full swing, and one of the most anticipated matchups on February 10, 2025, is the clash between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Pelicans struggling and the Thunder dominating the league, this game promises to be an intriguing contest. In this article, we’ll dive into the latest team news, key stats, and betting trends to provide you with a comprehensive prediction and betting tips for this game.
The Oklahoma City Thunder (42-9) are hosting the New Orleans Pelicans (12-40) in what appears to be a lopsided matchup. The Thunder are the top-seeded team in the Western Conference, while the Pelicans are languishing at the bottom. With the Thunder on a five-game winning streak and the Pelicans on an eight-game losing streak, the odds heavily favor Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have been the best team in the NBA this season, boasting a 42-9 record. They are on a five-game winning streak, with their most recent victory being a 125-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the frontrunner for the MVP award, has been phenomenal, averaging 32.7 points, 6 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. Jalen Williams has also stepped up, contributing 21.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Defensively, the Thunder are unmatched, allowing just 104.7 points per game, the best in the league. Their ability to force turnovers and limit opponents’ shooting efficiency has been key to their success.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans, on the other hand, have had a disastrous season. With a 12-40 record, they are second to last in the Western Conference. Injuries have plagued the team, with key players like Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, and Herbert Jones missing significant time. Williamson, despite playing only 16 games, leads the team with 24.3 points per game. Trey Murphy III has been a bright spot, averaging 22.6 points and 5.1 rebounds.
The Pelicans’ defense has been a major issue, allowing 118.8 points per game, ranking 26th in the league. Their recent trade of Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors has further weakened their roster.
The Thunder have dominated the Pelicans in recent matchups, winning their last eight games against them. This season, they have faced each other twice, with Oklahoma City winning both games comfortably. In their last meeting, the Thunder won 106-88, even without Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum playing for the Pelicans.
The Pelicans’ eight-game losing streak includes close losses to teams like the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, but their inability to close out games has been a recurring theme.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest betting odds and trends for this matchup:
Spread and Moneyline
The Thunder are heavy favorites, with an implied win probability of 91.5%. They have covered the spread in five of their last seven games as 14.5-point favorites or more.
Over/Under
Thunder to Cover the Spread
Given the Thunder’s dominance at home (23-3 record) and their superior defense, they are well-positioned to cover the 14.5-point spread. The Pelicans’ struggles on the road (4-22 record) further support this bet.
Under on Total Points
While the Thunder are a high-scoring team, their defense is likely to stifle the Pelicans’ offense. With New Orleans averaging just 110.2 points per game and Oklahoma City allowing only 104.7, the under on 235.5 points is a solid bet.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Shine
For player prop bets, consider backing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to score over 30 points. He has been in exceptional form, scoring 30 or more in three of his last four games.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the clear favorites in this matchup. Their combination of elite defense and high-powered offense should be too much for the struggling Pelicans. Expect the Thunder to win comfortably and cover the spread, with the game staying under the total points line.
Final Score Prediction: Thunder 124 – Pelicans 101.
The New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game is a classic case of a top team facing a struggling opponent. While the Pelicans have individual talents like Zion Williamson, their overall team performance has been lackluster. On the other hand, the Thunder are firing on all cylinders and are poised to extend their winning streak.
Whether you’re a fan or a bettor, this game offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy and capitalize on. Keep an eye on the Thunder’s defense and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance, as they will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.
For more NBA predictions and betting tips, stay tuned to our latest updates!
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